In skin preparation, the flesh was first removed with a serrated
scraper. For especially tough hides an adze-shaped scraper was used.
Hair was removed with a split bone, the skin then moistened, stretched
and smoked. According to Stewart this was done by the women. Some skins
were painted with designs. Gifford and Stewart both report the use of
skin shields.
Before white contact, an informant told Mason, the Ute used juniper
bark and sagebrush fiber for blankets. Sinew was employed for thread,
while pine pitch and horn served for glue. Baskets made by coiling
were manufactured, as were twined mats. Important types were conical
gathering baskets, water bottles, flat trays and dippers. Willow was
the principal material used.